31 Teams in 31 Days - Florida Panthers

Definitely a strong group of OHL prospects for the Panthers.

1. Vladislav Kolyachonok - Flint Firebirds
It was a very strong draft +1 year for Kolyachonok, as he established himself as one of the better defensive stalwarts in the OHL. His skating remains his best asset as he possesses this ability to just suffocate his marks. He is so difficult to shake. Kolyachonok also has such explosive start ups, it allows him to consistently beat opposing players to loose pucks. This is especially evident on the penalty kill, where he is so quick to close out and it stifles all creativity. This is a kid that was manufactured to be a defensive player in today's NHL. The question is, just how much more can he evolve offensively? The answer will ultimately determine whether Kolyachonok can be a quality top four defender, or more of a defensively sheltered number 5 who can anchor a PK. His confidence as a powerplay QB took a nice step forward this year, in particular his ability to use his quickness to jump into shooting lanes. He looks comfortable on the point. Where he still doesn't look entirely comfortable is leading the attack. He is much more likely to make a quick exit pass than he is to use his speed to push deep through the neutral zone. Sometimes he can skate himself into trouble when he attempts to extend rushes, so by default he seems to hesitate even when openings appear to him. Whether that is a processing issue, a skill issue, or a confidence issue remains to be seen. Next year, it appears that he will be playing in the KHL after being loaned out. Not sure I'd close the book completely for him in the OHL, as with pandemic times, who knows what will happen. As alluded to, I believe Kolyachonok is a safe bet to be an NHL player in some capacity.

2. Cole Schwindt - Mississauga Steelheads
Few players improved their status as NHL prospects the way that Cole Schwindt did this year for me. He emerged as one of the top two-way centers in the league and was the straw that stirred the drink for the Steelheads during their terrific second half performance. He plays with such a long stick in the neutral and defensive zones, forcing turnovers on what seems like every shift. This year, we saw him increase his intensity level too, taking away space from opposing players on the backcheck or while pressuring along the wall. He is a takeaway machine. Schwindt also showed greater confidence leading the attack offensively, improving his ability to create at top speed, and improving his lateral quickness and fluidity to make him more deceptive and creative when attacking the middle. Moving forward next year, there are three areas that I'd like to see continued improvement in. The first is his shot. I think that if he could make it more of a weapon, especially his release in the slot, it would make him a more dangerous overall player. The second is his explosiveness moving forward. The third is his vision and poise with the puck in his own zone. He forces a lot of turnovers in the defensive zone, but at times, he can give it right back by making a poor pass or not being decisive enough. Being able to force those turnovers, then turn up ice and navigate traffic to reverse pressure (the way a guy like Marco Rossi does) is the next step in his progression as a dominant defensive center. Look for Schwindt to be in the 30 goal/50 assist range next year and I think he's a real darkhorse for the Canadian junior team (if the WJC's actually happen).

3. Serron Noel - Kitchener Rangers
Probably the player whose lack of development disappointed me most this year. I had sky high expectations for him and his game took a step backward, not forward. IMO, that starts with inconsistent physical intensity. What makes Noel such a special player at times, is his size and skill combination. However, he's at his best when he's applying consistent pressure away from the puck, using his size to drive the net, and disrupt in all three zones. Watching Noel this year, there were just too many instances where he wasn't noticeable. Additionally, I think his play with the puck failed to progress, as he can still struggle when receiving passes in transition and being the one leading the attack. So he finds himself in a difficult spot at times. His game may not be tailored to be drive the play with the puck on his stick. But he's also not engaging consistently without the puck. He still has a great shot. He can still be an impact player. His power is impressive when he's driving wide or plowing down the middle. However, I think it has become more apparent that he's likely more suited to be a third line type and not a top six option (think along the lines of former Panther Jamie McGinn). As Noel turns pro next year, I will be very curious to see how he performs. Will we see the Noel that dominated at times in 2018/19, or will be see the indifferent one we got in 2019/20? A good freshman season at the pro level would likely see him in the 15/15 range with an aim at taking on a larger offensive role in his sophomore year.

4. Greg Meireles - Kitchener Rangers
Outside of goaltender Jacob Ingham, I think Meireles needs to be considered the MVP of the Rangers this past year. He had another strong season, his final (OA year) in the OHL. What you see is what you get with Meireles. He plays the game hard and his success is created by his determination and effort. He never seems to run out of energy, whether he's attacking as a forechecker, or prolonging possession deep in the offensive end, keeping plays alive along the wall with his feet and strength. His overall offensive skill set is good, but not elite (shooting ability, skill level, vision, etc), however when you combine it with the motor, you have a highly effective player. Guys like Meireles can be difficult to project at the next level sometimes. If you pigeon hold them as checking line players or tweeners, they surprise by becoming more. If I was a betting man, I'd probably place Meireles as a potential piece for the bottom six. And he may take some time to produce at the AHL level and therefore earn himself a call up. Let's not forget that Florida has yet to sign Meireles, meaning that they probably intend for him to start the year on an AHL PTO to see how he performs before offering him an ELC (the Avs took a similar approach with Brandon Saigeon recently). I think he is worth an ELC though, however sitting at 48 contracts, Florida can afford to be patient as they hold on to Meireles' rights until next June.